Travel with Children - Backpack kid carriers - how practical for travel?

As an alternative to dragging our double stroller to places where we don't use it much anyways I bought a couple Kelty backpack carriers FC 1.0 and FC 2.0 - they seem to be liquidating older models at 50-70% discounts now:

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Child-Carrier-Black-Size/dp/B003IY9PBU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1321248230&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Child-Carrier-Black-Size/dp/B003IY5MMQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1321248230&sr=8-2

Aside from being a bit off balance on my back they seem to be quite practical - can anyone provide first hand experience for travel with those?

Yes and it didn't work too well.

Luckily, I only did it for two short flights.

Hard to put on and off. She couldn't sleep in it.

Mine was more streamlined and it was still awkward. I used it in London where strollers aren't very welcome, especially in crowds. For that it was good.

This also doesn't have any wheels so you don't have the option of pulling it. I've seen parents doing that in say, museums in big cities.

If you are going somewhere will you will be backpacking or camping and it's a very short flight, that might work. As long as you'll be using it at your destination!

How old is your child? If under age 3, a soft front/back pack might be more useful like an Ergo.

I never used a double stroller. When I was flying alone with my three closely spaced children, I had one stroller and a baby carrier. This worked much better.

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If you are going somewhere will you will be backpacking or camping and it's a very short flight, that might work. As long as you'll be using it at your destination!

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Not sure about camping but we are off to Tokyo for a few days and IIRC from my past trips the crowds, stairs and compactness of everything would probably make a stroller a major PITA.

I tried a couple soft carriers and found them extremely uncomfortable so that's out.

We have used our Kokopax framed carrier backpack in DFW. It worked well. Our kid is used to being toted this way, though, as that's what we use at the grocery store and when out shopping. (Much better than sitting him in the cart, btw... Safer, more fun for him and easier for us, as we can walk away from the cart when needed.)

The Kokopax did need to be gate checked. Not sure about Kelty carriers and how they compare in size. Maybe check the Amazon reviews to see if anyone has tried to stuff one in an overhead bin before.

This last trip we didn't plan on using our Kokopax at our destination, so we brought the infamous, nearly ill-fated CityMini stroller instead (see the stroller thread for details). I actually preferred having the stroller, as we could attach the car seat to the back of it using aftermarket velcro stroller hooks that I normally use to attach my diaper bag to the stroller handle. As mentioned in the contentious rear-facing car seat thread in which you and I have sparred, we have a light-weight Cosco Scenera. A heavier/bulkier car seat might be harder to manage this way. Of course, it would also be hard to manage with no stroller at all.

Our kid doesn't sleep in a stroller (or the Kokopax, for that matter), so that's not an advantage for us, sadly.

It may take a tiny bit longer for you to saddle up and unmount with the backpacks versus strollers, particularly if they're wearing shoes, as you often have to maneuver shod feet though the leg holes.

OTOH, not having to find elevators and having hands free is a real plus.

In the end, for us on this last trip it came down to the fact that we would be using our stroller at our final destination, so we used the stroller. If we planned to use the Kokopax on our trip, then we probably would have opted to use it through the airport instead.

If we had been traveling internationally with a need to pass through Customs, I think we would probably opt for the backpack.

Soft carriers, used correctly, are VERY comfortable so I'm suspect that the problem was how you put it on. Much more comfortable than a backpack!!!

Getting through a big city alone with three children, the backpack was handy for the crowds at Piccadilly Circus. But the problem is that you can't take it off, especially the model you gave and the model I had. I would definitely get one that comes off and stands up, preferably with wheels.

Consider a very small, compact stroller that folds with ONE hand. If you have the luxury of traveling with another adult, you can trade off between the stroller and preferably a correctly-used front/back pack.

I'm all for the soft baby/toddler-on-body carriers. Even at my ripe age, I find the soft baby carriers we use as a chest-pack or backpack are not only more comfortable they are also easier to put away and prepare for use/storage, including on flights. It does take some practice being able to get the young ones into them quickly, but it's been a piece of cake for me as I've done it a lot. Also, in relatively crowded shopping areas and the like, fewer people seem to knock into the child on my chest or back than into a stroller with a child. While I might have a stroller brought along anyway, they sometimes ended up being used to transport goods rather than to transport little persons. The only issue seemed to be that older toddlers generally fell asleep more easily in the strollers than in the baby carriers on the back -- it was more of a wash between baby carriers on the front and strollers at younger ages, but at older ages the toddlers seem to more often prefer being on the caretaker's back rather than chest.

Those in my family who take their young ones into the Norwegian hills/mountains on their backs for a hike have ended up finding out -- after some hard times -- that the soft carriers tended to work out much better for themselves and the transported child.

Not sure about camping but we are off to Tokyo for a few days and IIRC from my past trips the crowds, stairs and compactness of everything would probably make a stroller a major PITA.

I tried a couple soft carriers and found them extremely uncomfortable so that's out.

Which soft carriers have you been using? The ones I prefer using are from Beco and their carriers are my staple gift to frequent flying parents having a first born child.

I'm all for the soft baby/toddler-on-body carriers. Even at my ripe age, I find the soft baby carriers we use as a chest-pack or backpack are not only more comfortable they are also easier to put away and prepare for use/storage, including on flights. It does take some practice being able to get the young ones into them quickly, but it's been a piece of cake for me as I've done it a lot. Also, in relatively crowded shopping areas and the like, fewer people seem to knock into the child on my chest or back than into a stroller with a child. While I might have a stroller brought along anyway, they sometimes ended up being used to transport goods rather than to transport little persons. The only issue seemed to be that older toddlers generally fell asleep more easily in the strollers than in the baby carriers on the back -- it was more of a wash between baby carriers on the front and strollers at younger ages, but at older ages the toddlers seem to more often prefer being on the caretaker's back rather than chest.

Those in my family who take their young ones into the Norwegian hills/mountains on their backs for a hike have ended up finding out -- after some hard times -- that the soft carriers tended to work out much better for themselves and the transported child.



Which soft carriers have you been using? The ones I prefer using are from Beco and their carriers are my staple gift to frequent flying parents having a first born child.

We have two framed backpack carriers and an Ergo. I would rank them for comfort as follows:

1. Kiddy brand full-sized framed backpack: This one is huge but incredibly comfy. Lots of nice padding, support and structure. Stands up on its own, has big pockets for storing gear, has a sunshade built-in.

2. Ergo: Soft and comfy. Good support. Was better when my son was younger for front carry. These days he prefers to be up high on our backs.

3. Kokopax: Not the most comfy but compact (for a framed carrier), good kickstand, easy to get him in and out. This is our go-to carrier now, always in the car and ready to pop him in or out.

My son is a stout, thick, big toddler. 15 months, 26 lbs, 32", size 5 diapers. 70th% for weight and 60% for height, 90% for head. He used to be 90% for everything until he got mobile. It's always been a bit more challenging to carry him, due to his size. Hefting him into soft carriers has always been tricky.

Anyway, I think a lot will depend on the child, the parents and the setting. But either way, you should make it to your destination in one piece -- and I suspect you'll be just as knackered by the end of the day whichever option you go with. ;)

We have a babytrekker--a soft structured carrier than can be used with a front or back carry. I have to say, I didn't love it for a back carry with a kid who can't talk yet unless I had another adult with me. I couldn't see what was going on with my child, and he couldn't tell me. But, with an older infant and another grownup, it was more comfortable than a front carry and easier than a stroller. We used it through about 18 months, and then he got too heavy and now we travel with a peg perego lightweight stroller (the vela; but not sure if they make that any more).

You need a kid who is used to a back carry though--it helps if they know how to climb on to your back. My son would also nap in the babytrekker on my back, which helped.

I couldn't manage the Baby Trekker at all! I gave it to a friend who was equally unsuccessful... For the record, I used a ring sling (short distances, in & out of car, etc.) and a wrap. I loved the wrap but big learning curve so I hesitate to recommend it, just because of that. Also, both of those are better for smaller babies, which can then continued to be used.

About the backpack, ours' didn't have a sun cover. Not recommended! Getting the hat back on the baby, not easy (had to lean down and have one of the older children do it). Really, not a good idea. I think any backpack without a sun cover should be taken off the market lol! Useless!

We loved ours; it was also a Kelty but not as fancy as they make them now. At the time they were just framed backpacks with some padding.

But it worked great and we got a lot of use out of it.

We loved ours; it was also a Kelty but not as fancy as they make them now. At the time they were just framed backpacks with some padding.

But it worked great and we got a lot of use out of it.

How did it compare to a baby carrier for flying? How old was the child? Could they nap in it?

For flying, we brought their car seats so they sat in those during the flights.

LOL, yep both my boys fell asleep many a time while we were walking/hiking. Of course, their head would roll off to the side and hang down.

We also tried to stick as close to their nap schedules as possible to avoid any meltdowns. :)

How did it compare to a baby carrier for flying? How old was the child? Could they nap in it?

Soft carriers, used correctly, are VERY comfortable so I'm suspect that the problem was how you put it on. Much more comfortable than a backpack!!!

Getting through a big city alone with three children, the backpack was handy for the crowds at Piccadilly Circus. But the problem is that you can't take it off, especially the model you gave and the model I had. I would definitely get one that comes off and stands up, preferably with wheels.

Consider a very small, compact stroller that folds with ONE hand. If you have the luxury of traveling with another adult, you can trade off between the stroller and preferably a correctly-used front/back pack.

A soft carrier we've used, but its probably not as durable the products mentioned is a Baby Bjorn.. more so for the occasional carry around.. the baby is right up against the body warmth..:)

OPs link looks pretty scientific and rugged..

I bought a Kelty TC 3.0 for our trip to Thailand last year with our 11 month old. I did not want a full frame backpack, but wanted something a little more than my wife's carriers (she has an ergo, a jeep, and one other - she likes them but I have never found them comfortable). The backpack carrier came in handy several places where we did not want to (or could not) lug the stroller. Trekking to the tiger temple, a long walk on the beach, and a long walk at BKK to customs when they sent the gate checked stroller to baggage claim. It was very travel friendly - no carry-on issues. And when we were in transit but not using it as a carrier, it served well as a regular backpack (only real difference was the waist belt folded around he back).

It took a while to find the optimal setting/adjustments. Did several test runs at the beach here. But once we did it was comfortable. And I was able to carefully put it on/take it off with my son in it. Overall very pleased with it.

My son did not sleep in it during the trip - too much to see. But he does fall asleep in it at the beach. Similar head to the side as mentioned in an earlier post.

A post-trip follow up.

Backpacks have pluses and minuses but we found them very useful overall.
We could easily access most places, kids did sleep in them (head forward) and they have plenty of extra space both for kids stuff and our things. Kids liked them and definitely felt comfortable plus getting them in and out was fairly easy. They fit in the overheads. Plus they look pretty cool.

On the negative side it was quite a workout to put them on - i could do that myself but my wife needed help or an elevated surface to start with. They feel off balance and put a lot of weight on the shoulders pulling down and back as the load is separated from your back (unlike regular backpacks). Waist strap helps but not as much as with regular backpacks.

We'll continue to use them on some trips where strollers are less practical but pushing a stroller is unquestionably easier than carrying those things.

Soft carriers, used correctly, are VERY comfortable so I'm suspect that the problem was how you put it on. Much more comfortable than a backpack!!!

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If you take the time to correctly adjust a backpack it is much more comfortable then a soft carrier. All the weight goes straight to your legs not your back. If you are walking any distance a backpack is far superior, although it can be harder to get on your back.

If you take the time to correctly adjust a backpack it is much more comfortable then a soft carrier. All the weight goes straight to your legs not your back. If you are walking any distance a backpack is far superior, although it can be harder to get on your back.

I think it depends on the baby and the carrier or backpack. My issue was that she couldn't sleep in the backpack. He head fell to the side and she couldn't stay asleep (and she wasn't an easy one to wake up).

For air travel, being able to get it on and off is a big deal. Having to fuss with a backpack can really hamper a trip, especially when not all of us have the luxury of traveling with the other parent. I wanted to just pop the baby in and get going, which was easier with a carrier.

Just to clarify, I'm talking about good quality baby carriers, not front packs like Bjorns and Snuglis. Those are NOT comfortable and anything is better than those!

Backpacks are designed more for long walking and hiking.

Just to clarify, I'm talking about good quality baby carriers, not front packs like Bjorns and Snuglis. Those are NOT comfortable and anything is better than those!

Backpacks are designed more for long walking and hiking.I disagree with your perspective on front packs; the Baby Bjorn was the easiest, most comfortable way to carry my son from birth until he was walking, which was 9 months. After that, stuffing him into any kind of pack was just not happening. It was stroller or him walking from that stage. I did try a sling once, for about 20 minutes, and that thing hurt like blazes, and yes, the store clerk did say I had it on correctly. It just compressed the nerves on one side of my neck.

We borrowed a Kelty child pack for one trip, and it was strictly for the trail. I can't imagine wearing something that bulky in a crowded situation. That's the sort of thing that can get parents labeled "selfish" "rude" or "inconsiderate" because you just can't judge how far that thing extends beyond your body and you tend to bang into other people. At the farmer's market there always seems to be someone clearing a swath through the crowd with one of those, banging into people and knocking things off the tables.

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We borrowed a Kelty child pack for one trip, and it was strictly for the trail. I can't imagine wearing something that bulky in a crowded situation. That's the sort of thing that can get parents labeled "selfish" "rude" or "inconsiderate" because you just can't judge how far that thing extends beyond your body and you tend to bang into other people. At the farmer's market there always seems to be someone clearing a swath through the crowd with one of those, banging into people and knocking things off the tables.

Nope, those are not any wider than my body and smaller than many popular backpacks and as long as you don't turn your shoulders suddenly there are no issues. Granted, we never tried subways in rush hour but normal lines and reasonable crowds in stores, sidewalks etc were not a problem. Again the key is to remember not to turn your upper body.

Nope, those are not any wider than my body and smaller than many popular backpacks and as long as you don't turn your shoulders suddenly there are no issues. Granted, we never tried subways in rush hour but normal lines and reasonable crowds in stores, sidewalks etc were not a problem. Again the key is to remember not to turn your upper body.Kid packs come in a wide variety of sizes, and while you believe that yours are only a limited problem - "the key is to remember not to turn your upper body" - I've seen plenty that are. The one that we borrowed was definitely wider than I am at both hip and shoulder; wearing it in a crowded space would be much like wearing my trail backpack in a crowd.

There's also the fact that when the child is behind you, you can't see what it is doing. Busy little hands could be touching, grabbing, pushing and throwing and the parent might not have a clue.

Kid packs come in a wide variety of sizes, and while you believe that yours are only a limited problem - "the key is to remember not to turn your upper body" - I've seen plenty that are. The one that we borrowed was definitely wider than I am at both hip and shoulder; wearing it in a crowded space would be much like wearing my trail backpack in a crowd.

There's also the fact that when the child is behind you, you can't see what it is doing. Busy little hands could be touching, grabbing, pushing and throwing and the parent might not have a clue.

Agree, its not an ideal option (that would be going without kids ;)) but in a crowded space you are still much better off (both for yourself and others) with this backback than a stroller. Buses, shops, temples, trains - most places were near inaccessible with a stroller.
If you go outside US/Canada stroller becomes a headache not a benefit.

I disagree with your perspective on front packs; the Baby Bjorn was the easiest, most comfortable way to carry my son from birth until he was walking, which was 9 months.

We didn't even get to 6 months with ours'! By contrast, the ring sling, worn correctly, was used to age 3. The Bjorn basically hangs the baby by the adults' shoulders, why it can't be used for very long. It's a very unnatural position. If you're going to pay $90 for a baby carrier of any sort, it better last at least 2 years!!!

Of course a wrap is even more comfortable than a ring sling and you can carry a baby on the back with it. The only issue is the learning curve, which is well worth it but most parents are impatient.

That's the sort of thing that can get parents labeled "selfish" "rude" or "inconsiderate" because you just can't judge how far that thing extends beyond your body and you tend to bang into other people. At the farmer's market there always seems to be someone clearing a swath through the crowd with one of those, banging into people and knocking things off the tables.

Granted that is a valid point but I really didn't find it a problem with either the backpack or the wrap. The backpack holds the child up high enough that they really can't reach most things (sure, there are exceptions...) If I'm in a crowd, I much prefer giving room to a parent with a carrier than having to move for a stroller. I live in one of the Christmas Market towns and wow, like last Saturday evening, what a nightmare those strollers cause trying to get through!!

It's rare that hitting other people would be a problem in an airport. You can keep your distance standing in line and most have open designs that don't result in Christmas Marketesque throngs of people packed in together.

The stroller can actually scare children in crowds, because they can't see faces, only knees. So even a very good "stroller child" might balk at staying in one for any length of time, lost in a forest of legs. Being up high in a crowd can actually help keep a child calm and cooperative.

I disagree with your perspective on front packs; the Baby Bjorn was the easiest, most comfortable way to carry my son from birth until he was walking, which was 9 months.

We didn't even get to 6 months with ours'! By contrast, the ring sling, worn correctly, was used to age 3. The Bjorn basically hangs the baby by the adults' shoulders, why it can't be used for very long. It's a very unnatural position. If you're going to pay $90 for a baby carrier of any sort, it better last at least 2 years!!!That reasoning makes no sense to me. There are very few baby products that are as appropriate for a newborn as they are for a 3 year old. For starters, newborns need head support, 3 year olds don't. Newborns benefit from the body contact and shared heat of being held directly against a parent's chest, 3 year olds do not have the same needs. The Baby Bjorn isn't meant to last 3 years, because it is designed for carrying very young infants. Also, saying that it is a "a very unnatural position" - it's almost the same position that a wrap creates for the child, without the tight pressure on the parent's torso.

And if you could persuade a 3 year old to ride in a sling, well, that's impressive, because mine was on his feet and on the go before he was a year old. We ended up using a harness and leading strings for quite a while when he just wouldn't ride in anything.

That's the sort of thing that can get parents labeled "selfish" "rude" or "inconsiderate" because you just can't judge how far that thing extends beyond your body and you tend to bang into other people. At the farmer's market there always seems to be someone clearing a swath through the crowd with one of those, banging into people and knocking things off the tables.

Granted that is a valid point but I really didn't find it a problem with either the backpack or the wrap. The backpack holds the child up high enough that they really can't reach most things (sure, there are exceptions...) If I'm in a crowd, I much prefer giving room to a parent with a carrier than having to move for a stroller. I live in one of the Christmas Market towns and wow, like last Saturday evening, what a nightmare those strollers cause trying to get through!!

It's rare that hitting other people would be a problem in an airport. You can keep your distance standing in line and most have open designs that don't result in Christmas Marketesque throngs of people packed in together. Airports don't have throngs of people packed together? :confused: All the ones I've been in this year certainly did.

You say you didn't find banging into people with the backpack to be a problem, but what did other people think of it? That's really my point - the person wearing the pack can not determine its impact on the people around them. This applies to people with kid packs, regular backpacks, oversized purses that extend way out, laptop bags on the shoulder, etc. If you're wearing it behind you, it has no nerve endings so you really don't know what it comes into contact with.

f you go outside US/Canada stroller becomes a headache not a benefit.Been there, done that, didn't have a problem.

The Baby Bjorn isn't meant to last 3 years, because it is designed for carrying very young infants. Also, saying that it is a "a very unnatural position" - it's almost the same position that a wrap creates for the child, without the tight pressure on the parent's torso.

The reason the Bjorn can't be used for very long is because it basically hangs the baby by its crotch. This IS a very unnatural position. Good quality carriers actually hold the baby like your arms will. That's why they're good for so much longer. Not at all like a wrap and I'm unclear what you mean by "tight pressure on the parent's torso". I never had that and the Bjorn hurts because the weight pulls down on the shoulders. Very, very uncomfortable. By contrast, the correctly worn wrap is much more sane.

And if you could persuade a 3 year old to ride in a sling, well, that's impressive, because mine was on his feet and on the go before he was a year old.

I think you're unclear on the concept of babywearing. The point is that it adapts to the child's needs. Mine were VERY active so pushing an empty stroller around was a bit of a pain. It was easier to take the sling and when the child was too tired to walk all the way back to the car, I had it. No need to "persuade" anyone. Also, my kids weren't good "stoller babies". They really likes to run and then they'd run out of steam :/

3 year olds don't like to be confined. I think that's a no-brainer but they can't always keep going forever, especially in a busy airport or other public place.

Please don't tell me your child NEVER was held in your arms at age 3?!? I have a bad back from a pre-child injury so the sling was a lifesaver. I see so many parents clinging on to toddlers in airports and I was able to do that, with my hands free.

You say you didn't find banging into people with the backpack to be a problem, but what did other people think of it?

I didn't "bang" into anyone! I kept my distance. I also had two other children with me so if anyone had been it, it probably would have been the brother or sister first! They didn't say anything.

Since it wasn't very practical, and I only took it because I couldn't face summertime crowds in London any other way, I used it for the flight. She didn't kick anyone because of the position. Since she was a very active child, I didn't use it much.